Christmas shoppers were entertained by the sound of the brass ensemble of the Westcliff High School for Boys.

Customers of Debenhams were treated to the sound of Christmas carols performed by the group in the Royals Shopping Centre in Southend.

Tim Gartside, deputy head teacher, said: "They got a very good response.

"A number of people stood around by the escalator watching them play."

The carols session was the first time the ensemble have played in the shopping centre and was at the invitation of Debenhams.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.